Over the years we have seen just about every console released receive a portable edition (most have been stupidly expensive).  The main problem with these portable modified consoles is that they were usually created by an individual on a one at a time basis.  A recent Kickstarter project looks to change that by making the information, with equipment needed, available to backers to complete a Nintendo 64 portable on their own- sort of crowd-mass producing the units.  There are a couple of catches to this plan though, one you will have to pledge at least $200 and second, you will have to do the hard work yourself (or pay someone to do it for you).  That hasn’t stopped anyone from modifying their retro consoles in the past has it?

Currently, Nicholas Sallee is sitting at about 63% of the $5,000 goal with 16 days to go.  This is one project that looks like it will probably squeak by the funding minimum.  The question is, are you going to back this?  Think $200 is a little steep for this kind of thing?  Read on to see what you get for your pledge.

First, a little background on what possessed Mr. Sallee to even attempt this type of thing.  After doing some research on the availability of portable Nintendo 64’s he quickly found out that it would be about $1,000 to have one created.  Slightly out of the reach of the average retro gamer.  After a lot of research and talking with others, Mr. Sallee decided to attempt this feat on his own.  After finding success at this, he started taking orders from others that wanted a portable N64 and realized that it was harder than it looked.  This process can be streamlined a bit by ordering supplies in bulk, offsetting the actual work to the soon to be new owner who is led by the easy to understand instructions.

Your kit will include:
1) Step by Step Instruction Guide

2) Nintendo 64 Controller

3) 3.8mm and 4.5mm Gamebit screwdrivers (for taking apart your N64)

4) Batteries (Lithium Polymer)

5) 3.5 inch screen. (7.4 volts and accepts composite input.)

6) Audio Amplifier

7) Copper Ram Heatsinks

8) Soldering Iron

9) Voltage Regulator

10)16v 100UF Capacitor

11) 2K Resistor

12) Charger

13) Protection Circuit

14) Thermal Adhesive Glue ( for gluing components into case and for gluing on heatsinks)

15) Case: pencil box carrying case ready to fit components inside.

The basic pledge of $200 does not include the actual Nintendo 64.  Mr. Sallee has mentioned on the Kickstarter page that if you want an N64 please add $50 to the pledge amount (totaling $250) and send a message so he knows to send a console too.  Pretty simple.

Source: Kickstarter via Retrocollect

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams